Arc'teryx Atom

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• A waterproof jacket keeps out hard, driving rain
• A water-resistant jacket can handle light rain for a brief time and is more breathable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Any waterproof jacket is also windproof to shield you in stormy weather
• A wind-resistant jacket will offer much lighter protection

Hard shell vs. soft shell

Like a waterproof and windproof rain jacket, a hard shell will offer the most protection, but less breathability than a soft shell.

Do you need insulation?
For very cold rainy weather, consider an insulated shell, which will have down or synthetic fill for warmth while being waterproof and windproof.

Where do you plan to run?

• Road or track: Lighter shoes for speed, more cushioned shoes for distance
• Gravel paths: Hybrid shoes, designed for both road and trail

Cushion comes down to "feel" vs. "float"

• Minimal and barefoot cushioning: little to no padding, more groundfeel
• Moderate cushioning: more traditional ride
• Maximum cushioning: softest, bounciest ride

What kind of support do you need?
Depending on your gait, you may need a stability shoe. But most runners will fare well with a neutral shoe.

Make sure the shoe fits.
No breaking in periods, period! Your shoe should fit well from the get go.

Types of packs

Backpacking packs can be 30 to 70-plus liters. To choose the right capacity, consider trip duration and the gear you’ll bring.

Backpack features
Think about the frame type, location of important pockets, padding and ventilation, among other things.

Backpack fit
Your pack should be correctly sized for your torso length (not overall height) and hip circumference. A fit-expert at an REI store can help.